The minimum time given is travelling time under ideal conditions - it's our best estimate based on our own experience and other sources such as the AA; we don't think you'll ever be quicker than this.

In the realistic column, we have added an allowance for typical road conditions and other traffic, and the travelling times there are typically what you'll be able to achieve most of the time.

The with breaks time includes 15 minutes every 2 hours for a stop / break, as recommended by the Department for Transport.[link].

The times quotes are for a typical car, and the times from the centre of the town / cities quoted, or the airports or ferry ports, to the centre of Melksham, Wiltshire. You will need to adjust the time taken to reflect your true starting point if you're not starting from one of these specific points.

As well as the breaks built in to our figures, you should make a longer (overnight?) stop on the longer journeys. There are laws that control this timing for the drivers of heavier goods vehicles and coaches, but for private car drivers, it's down to the individual driver. Personally, I think the 10 hours in the HGV laws is a good limit - but you should adjust that to suit your personal metabolism. If in doubt, you should plan extra stops. And if you feel tired, you should add an extra stop.I would far rather you turn up late for a course than risk not turning up at all!

You will need to allow further extra time when the roads are busy - that includes:
• long distance journeys on Friday or Sunday evenings, or early monday morning
• to and from holiday destinations (e.g. West Country, Blackpool) on Saturdays
• from 07:30 to 09:15 & 16:30 to 18:30, Monday to Friday, around major urban areas
• around public holidays and special events (e.g. Badminton, Olympics, Eclipses)

Road works, accidents and other incidents, road closures, inclement weather and unusual traffic flows, getting lost and time taken to find somewhere to park, can all add significant time to your journey (if you're coming to Well House Manor in Melksham, parking shouldn't be a problem), and we advise you to check online for the latest conditions on the day.

Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure that the data on this page provides good estimates for you, it is only a guide - we cannot take responsibility for any errors / poor estimates, nor their consequences. But please do let us know if you spot anything that's significantly awry.